Aircraft Brake Control Unit Calibration for Idle Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft brake systems face challenges in accurately determining the idle pedal position due to installation tolerances and variations, leading to potential incorrect application of braking forces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a brake pedal assembly with a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and a brake control unit (BCU) that includes both hardware and software threshold voltages, allowing for calibration and offset adjustments to ensure precise determination of the idle pedal position, thereby preventing unintended braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed hardware threshold voltage is used to determine idle pedal position, then the brake control system is simple to implement, but it cannot account for installation tolerances and variations leading to incorrect braking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the threshold voltage parameter from a fixed hardware value to a software-configurable value that can be calibrated during installation. This allows the threshold to be adjusted to match actual installation conditions, accounting for tolerances and variations in the mechanical assembly while maintaining the simplicity of the overall control system.
2Measurement precision
If software calibration and offset adjustments are added to account for installation variations, then measurement precision of idle pedal position is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with software-based calibration and offset adjustments. Instead of requiring physical recalibration of the LVDT or mechanical components, the system uses software to compensate for installation variations, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If both hardware and software threshold voltages are implemented, then reliability of braking control is improved by preventing incorrect braking, but the system requires more complex calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration and offset adjustment as preliminary actions during the installation phase. By completing the software configuration and threshold setting before the aircraft enters service, the system ensures reliable operation without requiring complex calibration procedures during maintenance or operation. This preliminary setup simplifies the overall ease of manufacture and deployment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures accurate and reliable application of braking forces by accounting for installation variations, reducing the risk of incorrect braking due to tolerances or incidental bumps, and allowing for precise calibration of the software threshold voltage based on actual installation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A linear variable differential transformer ('LVDT') may be coupled to the brake pedal assembly. The LVDT may output a voltage based on a position of the brake pedal.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft brake system may include a linear variable differential transformer ("LVDT"). A brake control unit ("BCU") may measure an output voltage from the LVDT. The BCU may include a hardware module, a software module, and an offset module. The hardware module may include a preprogrammed threshold voltage. The output voltage may be measured, and an offset voltage may be determined and stored in the offset module. The software module may measure the sum of the output voltage and the offset voltage. In response to the hardware module and the software module indicating that the threshold voltage has been reached, the BCU may allow braking of the aircraft.